Electrician Salary in Chicago
Metro area wage data for electricians from the BLS OEWS program, May 2025.
Wage figures reflect all electricians across all employment types, union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the area median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it.
One of the Midwest's strongest union markets, anchored by IBEW Local 134 and Illinois prevailing wage.
The Chicago metro benefits from a deep union infrastructure — IBEW Local 134 is one of the most established locals in the Midwest — and a high volume of commercial, industrial, and infrastructure work. Illinois prevailing wage law applies to public projects, which sustains above-market rates across the metro.
- →IBEW Local 134 — dominant in commercial and industrial sectors
- →Illinois Prevailing Wage Act covers public construction
- →Major data center and infrastructure investment in the region
IBEW Local 134 inside wireman Journey-Level Rate
Union scale reflects the IBEW Local 134 inside wireman journey-level rate under the current collective bargaining agreement. The BLS area median reflects all electricians across all employment types and experience levels.
| Training Center | IBEW-NECA Technical Institute |
| Address | 6201 West 115th Street, Alsip, IL |
| Phone | (312) 454-1340 |
| Minimum Score | 4 out of 9Test includes an additional mechanical comprehension section not found at most other locals |
| Application Window | Rolling — registration every Wednesday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at IN-Tech in Alsip |
| Retake Policy | 90 days first retake, 6 months all subsequent retakes |
Applying to IBEW Local 134?
The aptitude test is required for all applicants to IBEW Local 134. See what to expect and how to prepare.
What to expect →All electricians — union and non-union, all experience levels
All electricians — union and non-union, all experience levels. Wage figures only, employer-paid benefits, pension contributions, and health and welfare are not included.
| Annual Median Wage | $102,350 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $94,450 |
| Hourly Median Wage | $49.21 |
| Hourly Mean Wage | $45.41 |
| Total Employed | 17,720 |
| Area Type | Metropolitan Area |
Journey-level rates sourced directly from local collective bargaining agreements across the country's major construction markets. Union density and market conditions vary significantly by region.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - SOC 47-2111 (Electricians) - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.